Suu Kyi’s ally set for Myanmar presidency

Yangon, March 23 

A close ally of Myanmar’s de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi took a step closer to becoming the country’s new president after the lower house overwhelmingly voted for Win Myint as its candidate today.

The 66-year-old was the overriding favourite to take over the role when he resigned from his position as lower house speaker shortly after president Htin Kyaw abruptly stepped down on Wednesday.

“I hereby announce and confirm that the elected MPs group elected U Win Myint from Tarmwe constituency as a vice president,” the new lower house speaker T Khun Myat announced after the session in the capital Naypyidaw. He received 273 votes against 27 for the runner-up.

Parliament will now have to select the president from three candidates, one each from the lower and upper houses and the military. Win Myint is expected to face the final vote next week. — AFP